The Connecticut River Museum’s Theater Along the River kicks off with Flock Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at 7 p.m. this evening. The grounds open at 6 p.m.
This event was rescheduled from last Sunday when it had to be postponed due to the inclement weather, so here’s a second chance to pack a picnic and enjoy a timeless story along the banks of the River.
Twelfth Night is all about mistaken identities. It is a romantic comedy, and romantic love is the play’s main focus. Theater critic, Steve Gifford at onstageblog.com, notes that “Directed by Derron Wood and Victor Chiburis, this is Shakespeare at its best. This production emotes the text better than I have heard it in years. Their casting is impeccable, they seem to allow the actors to discover quirks and oddities that elevate their roles well beyond stereotype to something altogether more interesting.”
Director Derron Wood comments, “We are pleased to return for a second year to the Connecticut River Museum. It offers a spellbinding backdrop for outdoor theater and allows us to reach a new audience.”
The Connecticut River Museum’s executive director, Christopher Dobbs, notes, “Flock Theatre is a master of Shakespeare. We feel fortunate to offer this level of entertainment at the museum and hope that the audience enjoys the production and its backdrop – the River.” Dobbs was quick to point out that the museum is only able to host this event and keep the ticket prices reasonable for all ages to enjoy through the “generosity of lead sponsor the Essex Wellness Center with additional support from Wells Fargo Advisors.”
The museum’s grounds will open at 6 p.m. for picnickers to lay out blankets and chairs. Museum staff encourage the audience to make the picnic part of the experience. In fact, there will be a special prize awarded to the “best” picnic arrangement.
There is only lawn seating, so plan to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. A cash bar will include wine, beer, water, and soda. No carry-in alcohol is permitted and patrons will be carded for proof of valid ID at the bar.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for children (12 and under). Tickets may be bought at www.ctrivermuseum.org or at the door starting at 6 p.m. the night of the performance. Curtain opens at 7 p.m.
A second evening of Theater Along the River will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1. This will be Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus. A seldom performed show, it is thought to be Shakespeare’s first tragedy and a production not to miss.
Flock Theatre is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company founded in 1989. The theater company is dedicated to creating original, collaborative and educational theater. Perhaps best known for their long-standing summer Shakespeare in the Arboretum, Flock Theatre performs year-round in a variety of venues, including their winter “nest” at the First Congregational Church on the New London Pier, at the historic Shaw Mansion Museum and throughout New England.
The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street, Essex and is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 860-767-8269 or go to www.ctrivermuseum.org.
Flock Theatre presents Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as part of the Connecticut River Museum’s Theater Along the River, June 21. Photo courtesy of Flock Theatre.